Local vets head to Raleigh to air concerns

 

Special to The Pee Dee Post

* Talking Points
* Legislative Goals
* NC Veterans Facts

RALEIGH — Jeff Joyner and Carlton Hawkins of American Legion Post 147, Rockingham, had the opportunity Wednesday to meet with their local legislative delegation at the North Carolina General Assembly Building in Raleigh.

Joyner is legislative chairman for the N.C. American Legion. Hawkins is newly-elected vice commander of Post 147. 

Submitted photo At Legislative Day for Veterans Wednesday in Raleigh are, from left, Carlton Hawkins, vice commander of American Legion Post 147, Rockingham; N.C. Sen. Tom McInnis (R-District 25); N.C. Lt. Gov. Dan Forest; and Jeff Joyner, N.C. American Legion Legislative Chairman.

Submitted photo
At Legislative Day for Veterans Wednesday in Raleigh are, from left, Carlton Hawkins, vice commander of American Legion Post 147, Rockingham; N.C. Sen. Tom McInnis (R-District 25); N.C. Lt. Gov. Dan Forest; and Jeff Joyner, N.C. American Legion legislative chairman.

While there they lobbied with Sen. Tom McInnis (R-District 25), Rep. Garland Pierce (D-District 48) and Ken Goodman (D-District 66). They also met Lt. Gov. Dan Forest.

The day included joining other veterans organizations in sessions of the House and Senate where resolutions were passed honoring the state’s veterans.

Among the issues discussed with legislators representing Richmond County included:

* The establishment of a cabinet-level position with a North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Hawkins said this proposal was presented several years ago.

“Gov. Pat McCrory supports this, and although considered by legislators, it has not become a legislative item for approval,” Hawkins said. 

In fiscal year 2013, the Veterans Administration had spent $7.3 billion in the state. North Carolina ranks ninth in the nation with a veteran population of 769,384, and 84,073 of them are women veterans; and sixth in the nation with 90,873 military retirees. The economic impact is $54.9 billion. Some 87,000 businesses are owned by veterans. 

The issue is being studied in the legislature,” Hawkins said, “and we expect something to happen on it this year.”

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* The North Carolina Veterans Council also supports full implementation of a Senate Bill (761) which ensures that veterans with service experience in jobs which relate to licensing and credentials be given consideration. 

Veterans who are qualified for civilian jobs relevant to their performance in the military should be able to transfer to civilian jobs without excessive restrictions,” Hawkins said. “Such as medics having saved lives on the battlefield who should qualify for positions in medical and/or emergency services being given due consideration.”

* Another issue Hawkins and Joyner stressed was combating predatory lending to service members. “We want more emphasis and education placed on protecting veterans, service members and their families from predatory lenders,” Hawkins said. 

Joyner presented the legislative delegation members with detailed information concerning these and other issues which have been put before the legislature in the form of House and Senate bills.

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